Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Tours

Ripley\'s Aquarium of the Smokies which includes interior views and marine life as well as a large group of people
Gatlinburg
Ripley\'s Aquarium of the Smokies featuring interior views and marine life
Ripley\'s Aquarium of the Smokies showing dangerous animals, marine life and interior views
Ripley\'s Aquarium of the Smokies which includes interior views and marine life as well as a family

From sharks and stingrays, to penguins and octopus, get close to a colorful collection of tropical sea creatures at this walk-through aquarium.

Experience a spectacular aquatic adventure at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where 10,000 sea creatures represent over 350 species. Explore a tropical rain forest or walk through an underwater tunnel, watch live feeding shows and get face-to-face with tropical animals. Since opening in 2000, the aquarium has become one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions and welcomes about 1 million visitors per year.

Follow the aquarium’s walkways as they lead you between exhibits located on two floors. A major highlight is the Underwater Tunnel and Shark Lagoon. Walk through a 340-foot (104-meter) tunnel and watch as sharks, sea turtles and giant stingrays swim overhead. Spot colorful Indo-Pacific creatures, such as the clownfish, in the Coral Reef exhibit and then admire giant octopi at the Gallery of the Seas. Kids will love the interactive games and the chance to touch a live horseshoe crab in the Discovery Center.

Watch as professional divers hand feed rays in the Stingray Bay before traveling through tunnels and coming up-close to African penguins. Go to the Tropical Rainforest exhibit to see a poison dart frog and schools of piranhas. Take the opportunity to pet stingrays in the Touch a Ray Bay. Visit the aquarium’s control room to learn how the animals are kept alive.

Check the aquarium’s official website for a schedule of interactive events. Among these are swimming with stingrays, interacting with penguins and participating in an overnight camp, where kids can sleep in the Underwater Tunnel.

If you get hungry while visiting the aquarium visit the lower-floor restaurant serving fast food, snacks and drinks. There is also a gift shop selling aquatic souvenirs, art and handicrafts.

The aquarium is easily accessible from downtown Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg Trolley stops a short walk from the aquarium’s entrance. If arriving by car, you’ll find several pay-and-display parking lots nearby.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is open daily, including public holidays. Purchase your tickets online to receive discounted admission. Find more details, including information about family tickets, on the aquarium’s official website.

Plan a trip to see Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg Downtown

3 out of 5
Price was $769, price is now $521 per person
$521
per person
Nov 3 - Nov 7
found 16 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Houston (IAH) to Knoxville (TYS)
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
The property itself was fine. My problem centered more around the staff. I was initially assigned a room through Expedia with certain amenities within the room. When I arrived, the bed size was not as promised and a sofa bed was also advertised as in the room. When I inquired about this I was told that all third parties were made aware of the changes in the room and should have advertised accordingly. I attempted to address this issue the next day and staff did provide another room, but with two double beds rather than one king bed and the amenities that I needed. Although this sounds incredibly petty the issue is I saw inside the room down the hall from me (housekeeping was cleaning the room) and saw the exact room I was originally assigned. I found the staff to be dismissive and quite frankly, didn’t tell the truth and passed blame on to others. For the price I paid to stay (over $1500), I expected better customer service. I’ve already written a recap of my stay with this hotel and did receive a personal response from HR. It was explained that the issue would be addressed internally. Finally I will say that I have used this hotel in other locations and it has been a perfectly fine stay. Perhaps further training in house with staff may need to be considered. As I think about it, I was walking out of the hotel one morning and another guest was upset and trying to explain to another employee their issue. I do wonder why so many of these issues took place within days apart.

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park

4 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $1,081, price is now $698 per person
$698
per person
Sep 24 - Sep 28
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Dallas (DFW) to Knoxville (TYS)
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,098 reviews)
the smoke alarm went off 5 am in the morning maintenance did not get there till about 9 am

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Club Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge

Club Wyndham Great Smokies Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $1,061, price is now $730 per person
$730
per person
Oct 17 - Oct 20
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Miami (MIA) to Knoxville (TYS)
9/10 Wonderful! (223 reviews)
We love everything about this resort. Having the water park close was an added bonus.

Reviewed on May 6, 2025

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See all 17,732 properties in Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

At Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, immerse yourself in an unforgettable experience by touching jellyfish, capturing memories on photo tours, and enjoying engaging feeding shows. Don't miss the unique glass bottom boat ride that offers a stunning view of aquatic life beneath your feet, making it a perfect outing for families and marine enthusiasts alike.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spots are Mountain Mall and The Village Shops, both just 0.1 miles from Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, offering family-friendly vibes and unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, Iron Mountain Metal Craft is located 6 miles away, featuring handcrafted metal art and souvenirs.

Recreation

Enjoy a fun round at Ripley's Davy Crockett Mini Golf, where the family-friendly atmosphere adds excitement to your day. For a more serene experience, TopJump Trampoline Park & Extreme Arena offers wellness vibes and relaxation through active play, just 5 miles away from the aquarium.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of SkyPark's ski lift, located 0.3 miles from Ripley's Aquarium, offering stunning mountain views. Enjoy family fun at Wild Bear Falls Indoor Water Park, 1 mile away, with exciting slides and pools. For skiing and sports, visit Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, located 3 miles from the aquarium.

Nightlife

Experience vibrant nightlife near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies! Enjoy a delightful dinner show at Dolly Parton's Stampede, just 5 miles away. For thrills, visit Earthquake the Ride and Ripley's Mountain Coaster, both only 0.2 miles away, offering family-friendly adventure and entertainment vibes!

Find the best attractions near Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Visiting Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies offers a variety of attractions for all types of travelers. You can explore nearby landmarks, national parks, and museums, making it perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or thrilling activities. Whether you're after stunning natural scenery or enriching educational experiences, the area surrounding the aquarium has something to offer everyone.

  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Located only 4 miles from Ripley's Aquarium, this breathtaking national park offers stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures. Whether you enjoy hiking, picnicking, or simply taking in the views, the Smokies provide a perfect escape into nature.
  • Dollywood: Situated 6 miles away, Dollywood is an exciting amusement park featuring thrilling rides, live entertainment, and delicious Southern cuisine. It’s a fantastic destination for families, blending adventure with cultural experiences in a beautiful mountain setting.
  • Anakeesta: Just 0.1 mile from the aquarium, Anakeesta is a charming theme park that offers fun activities for all ages. Enjoy treetop canopy walks, zip-lining, and picturesque gardens, making it an ideal place for family bonding and entertainment.

Best time to go to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

The best time to visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February40.3°F (4.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March47.3°F (8.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low
April55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.9°F (17.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July73.8°F (23.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August72.5°F (22.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November45.9°F (7.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

To save money during your visit to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, plan your trip between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards to use on future stays. Take advantage of free activities in the area and utilize public transport for affordable transit options.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to tailor your results according to your specific needs, such as budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.